Flashing Lights | Cillian Murphy x Reader

Chapter One

Ever since I was a young girl, I remember I loved to act. I had little interest in watching movies, as I spent most of my youth reenacting them for my poor parents, who discovered quickly I had a talent for stepping out of myself and becoming a character. When I entered elementary school I was the lead role for every poorly produced stage play, and I ate it up every time.

I always loved everything about it, being able to become another person, the lights, the behind the scenes, everything about acting was perfect for me. It was like unzipping a costume and putting on a new one, I got to experience living multiple lives in just my own. That's why my parents decided to take me to an agency when I turned thirteen, and I quickly was hired to be in commercials of all sorts.

My memories of those days now become a blur, mostly consisting of flying across the country to go to film shoots, having the rare opportunity to meet directors and filmmakers and even participating in a few short films that won prizes. By the time I graduated high school, I had my first major role; a young girl in a horror series. I was incredibly humbled each and every time I got recognized on the streets, thinking to myself how grateful I was to my parents, my agent, and others for getting me where I was.

That's why, when I got the call that I was casted as the supporting actress in my favorite directors new movie, I nearly burst into tears and hugged every person who was involved so tightly they begged me to let go of them.

It was early September and I had just turned twenty two, I was in the living room of my apartment pouring a glass of wine for myself while settling down to watch Gilmore Girls when suddenly my phone rang, the caller ID being my manager, Charlotte.

"Hey, Char! What's up?" I asked as I picked up the phone, balancing it on my shoulder as I paused the TV that I already wasn't paying much attention to and placed the glass of wine on the coffee table. "(Y/N), my girl, I have news! Do you remember how you were called back for another interview for Mark Mclaren's new movie, Fatal Illusions?" Charlotte's voice echoed on the other side of the phone. I immediately straightened up, suddenly alert. "Yes!" I blurted, holding the phone up to my ear and listening carefully. "Did any news come out?"

"Oh, did news come out! You got the part!" Charlotte's voice squealed on the other line and I practically screamed, nearly dropping my phone as I did a lap around the apartment. "You're lying!" I screamed, nearly hyperventilating from excitement. Mark Mclaren was only one of the most renowned directors and movie makers in the world, standing next to Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg. He was best known for his dark comedy, Double Crossed, a story about a two spies who were working together on an investigation only to discover they were both working against the other; for the same person. I never was a big movie watcher, but even I adored that one.

The rest of that night was a blur of me beelining it to my parents house and giving them the biggest hug ever before going to the bar with some friends and drinking the night away in celebration. Even now, I can't help but thank God for the opportunity. I was really going to be a star now, not some short film actress or commercial girl, I was gonna be in a real blockbuster movie.

The next few weeks that proceeded the starting of the filming remain a blur, but before I knew it I was on a plane, flying to New Mexico to start filming. I read the basic synopsis and my characters description and I was positive I could play the part well.

Fatal Illusions was a story about a former world war two soldier with schizophrenia trying to navigate life after the war, and his struggle to distinguish who was real and fake, if he was still fighting or not. My character was Eleanor, the main characters love interest who's identity remains a mystery if she's real or just another delusion of his. On the plane I closed my eyes, really trying to put myself into the shoes of Eleanor, thinking to myself how I would play her, how I should present myself, and wondering who my costars would be.

Landing in New Mexico, I went to the hotel room and got ready to meet my new crew. I styled my hair extra carefully; wanting to make a good impression on those I'd be working with. I chose a flattering top and before long, I was ready.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door to the meeting room, only to slam head first into the person in front of me.

Great first impression, (Y/N)! I screamed at myself in my head as I quickly tried to regain my composure, looking into the piercing eyes of the person I so rudely ran into. It took a moment for me to really register who I was looking at, but his features were so striking it suddenly dawned on me that I was standing face to face with none other than Cillian Murphy.

I took in his striking face, his icy eyes that seemed to stare directly into my core, his sharp chiseled cheekbones and his lips curled slightly into a smile. I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me, I knew I would be working with famous actors, but Cillian freaking Murphy?!

"Easy there, are you alright?" His deep irish voice sounded a bit concerned as he lightheartedly chuckled, his hand brushing against my arm as he made sure I was decent after running into him. "I'm so sorry! Oh my god, I feel so embarrassed right now. I'm fine, just flustered." I rambled, feeling intimidated by his sharp gaze as he looked down at me, hands moving into his pockets. "No need, I should've known better than to stand right in front of the door. You are...?" He asked suddenly, his eyebrows furrowing just a bit as he inquired after my name.

"(Y/N), it's nice to meet you, sir." I introduced myself quickly, unintentionally being formal in my speech. I was standing in the presence of one of the best actors of the century, and I suddenly felt self conscious of my own abilities. Who was he playing?

"Please don't call me sir, it makes me feel old, just Cillian is fine." He chuckled, moving to the side so I could fully enter the room. "R-right, Cillian." I mumbled a bit nervously, giving him a small polite smile as I took in my surroundings. There were lots of finger foods, beverages of all kinds, and people standing around chatting with each other. I recognized Mark Mclaren immediately from my audition and gave him a small wave. He noticed me and stepped away from the conversation he was having, walking toward me.

"(Y/N)! I'm so glad to have you here." He embraced me before putting his hand behind my back and guiding me to introduce to me the rest of the cast. "This is our writer, Nancy. She's in charge of the story and script, so if you have any questions about anything relating to those two things, she's your girl." He said, and I smiled and politely shook the hand of Nancy, who seemed preoccupied with scribbling something in her notebook. "Writers." Mark mumbled sarcastically as he walked me around and introduced me to everyone.

I tried to be as calm and collected as possible, but I couldn't help but have an internal panic attack at all the professional faces around me, and suddenly I asked myself, why the hell was I casted with all these hollywood stars?!

"And of course you've met Cillian." Mark said, leading me back to the man who's first impression of me was likely remarkably bad. "Yes, fancy running into you again," I said, unintentionally making a pun. "Good one." Cillian smirked, to which I felt myself crawl into myself again at his gaze. Something about him made me incredibly nervous. Mark began to shuffle away after seeing somebody else, leaving me and Cillian's uncomfortably blue eyes.

"So, if you're playing my love interest, we should get more comfortable around each other, yeah?" He said, his voice deep and playful, and when I looked up at him I realized suddenly that Cillian Murphy was playing the lead role.

Holy crap, I get to make out with Cillian Murphy for a movie.